As part of an effort to improve mobility between downtown, the Bel-Red Corridor and the Overlake area, the city plans to extend Northeast Fourth Street in the Wilburton area from 116th Avenue Northeast to 120th Avenue.

Construction of a section between 116th Avenue and the Eastside Rail Corridor will begin in December.

Northeast Fourth Street currently crosses over Interstate 405, then ends at 116th Avenue. When the entire project is complete, the arterial will continue to 120th Avenue. The new section will feature two travel lanes in each direction, a center turn lane and new bike lanes and sidewalks.

The project is part of the area-wide "Wilburton Connections" series of projects, which are intended to improve mobility within Wilburton and between downtown, the Bel-Red Corridor and the Overlake area. Northeast Fourth will relieve congestion in the area, by providing an alternate route for motorists, freight, bus riders, pedestrians and bicyclists.

The Fourth Street extension will be constructed in two phases. Phase 1 will extend the street from 116th Avenue to the west side of the Eastside Rail Corridor (formerly the Burlington Northern Santa Fe railroad). The second phase will complete the connection to 120th Avenue, and is scheduled to be completed within the next few years. The Phase 1 section of roadway will not be open to traffic until the completion of the second phase.

Construction of the Phase 1 will begin during in December and continue until the end of 2014. Construction hours will be 7 a.m.-5 p.m., Monday through Friday, and may include 9 a.m.-6 p.m. on Saturdays.

There may be traffic delays. Major roadway closures and detours are not expected until next summer. Drivers, pedestrians and bicyclists should always exercise caution when navigating a construction zone.